There is plenty of vintage clothing waiting to be given new life, and you can still be fashion forward by choosing pieces that inspired current trends.
Here is a shopping list for the fall/winter season:
Long Skirts
Image courtesy of VintageVixen.com
The maxi trend is carrying over from spring and summer into fall. Ankle length and mid calf length skirts like the dirndl were seen at Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and YSL all had skirts in long lengths.
Take a cue from 1930s, 50s, and 70's skits in solid colors, plaids an tweeds that go past the knee. Skirts this long beg to be paired with boots from ankle booties to knee high flats. Stick to other
Romantic Gothic
Image Courtesy of Planetclairevintage
It's gothic not "goth" for fall. Think Victorian or Wuthering Heights, not Hot Topic wearing, Cure fan. 2008 Gothic is more polished and sophisticated with lavish black details like beading, embroidery and lace.
The dark lip and nail trend, button up ankle boots, and layered black beads, are accessories that can gothicize any average outfit.
Ethinic Prints
Photo: N Style Vintage
Don't think boho for this trend. This fall very bold ethnic prints like ikat or batik in vibrant colors are jumping into the mainstream. Then can be found as accessories or separates, but the best way to wear them is as statement pieces. The same rule can be applied with jewelry; use it as a pop, but don't overload with pieces.
Mixing and matching pieces from different cultures is what make this trend more modern; for instance, wearing clunky wooden cuffs and plaid together. It's like globalism that you can wear. And since global pieces are what you're looking for, it is very easy to find these kind of wearable art at yard sales, antique shops and vintage stores.
Gypsy
Image Courtesy of Big Yellow Taxi Vintage
This is another trend that is sort of like bohemian, but not quite. The influence of this trend is from the Balkans not the Middle East; which more sense for fall and winter because the climate is so cold. Heavy embroidery, large and small floral prints on dark backgrounds, long wool skirts, long dresses, and bulky knits in subdue colors are great pieces to look for.
